SABAH opposition leader Datuk Mohd Seri Shafie Apdal has criticised the state’s ruling coalition, accusing it of a reckless “splurge” of public funds amid persistent economic challenges faced by the people.
Shafie, who is Parti Warisan president, made the remarks during a walkabout in Lido, Luyang, engaging with market-goers ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year next week.
“If we can spend money on celebrations in Keningau, festivals, and canopies, spending millions of ringgit, but people are dealing with floods, wading through water—how is it that the state government has no funds to buy speed boats for them?” he said.
“The flooding isn’t limited to one area. For example, in Kota Marudu and other places. Even though there is flood mitigation, it is not functioning well. I raised this in Parliament so the government can allocate sufficient funds.”
“If we can spend millions on festivals, why can’t we ensure that all citizens are safe during disasters?”
While events such as the Jelajah Sayangi Sabah in Keningau and Chinese New Year celebrations were held, Sabah just grappled with severe flooding in areas like Kota Marudu and Pitas, displacing hundreds.
The Senallang assemblyman and Semporna MP also highlighted the financial struggles faced by ordinary Sabahans, criticising the government’s spending priorities.
“A single basket of goods costs RM30, but when I see it, their baskets are not full, not enough. The people’s purchasing power is very limited. We need measures to address this issue,” he said.
Shafie at a similar event on January 12 had also called on the Sabah government to look into the welfare of the people when evicting them for progress. - January 25, 2025.
